Sunderland were well ahead of Liverpool in pursuit of the signature of Ipswich Town striker Connor Wickham last night, with a bid of £9m, which could rise to £12.5m, already accepted and the 18-year-old expected on Wearside for a medical and talks today.

Chairman Niall Quinn has promised to strengthen manager Steve Bruce's squad after the sale of Jordan Henderson. So far Ji Dong-won, Sebastian Larsson and Keiren Westwood have arrived at the Stadium of Light with Quinn working on more deals: ‘We know the areas that need strengthening and the type of player we need in order to progress, and the job of bringing those players to the club is continuing at a pace.’

Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager, says he is not looking to sell Peter Crouch this summer despite reported interested from Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, who tried to sign the striker two years ago.

Sunderland completed the signing of Egypt international Ahmed Elmohamady yesterday on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee. The winger, who can also play at right-back, spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light from ENPPI in a deal which included an option for to buy him outright.